The Atholl Dancing Association is a vibrant and passionate dance club located in Highland Perthshire, the Heart of Scotland. Established in 1979, the club has a rich history and is deeply rooted in the local community.
The club was founded by Jean Swanston, a Highland Dancing teacher from Leith, who brought her expertise and love for dance to Highland Perthshire. Originally, classes took place in Ballinluig before moving to Grandtully and Pitlochry. Today, the classes are held in the Studio at Middleton, Logierait. The parents of the dancers attending the Jean Swanston School of Dancing form the Atholl Dancing Association.
One of the key responsibilities of the club's committee is to organise the annual Atholl Dancing Festival, which takes place at the prestigious Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry. This festival attracts competitors from all over Scotland, showcasing the talent and skill of Highland dancers. Additionally, since 1983, the committee has also organised a competition in March in Grandtully exclusively for members of the dancing class.
The Atholl Dancing Association is proud to be a Competition Organiser in Membership of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing. This esteemed affiliation highlights the club's commitment to upholding the standards and traditions of Highland dance.
In addition to competitions and festivals, the Atholl Dancing Association fosters a sense of community among its members. The club organises a class Christmas outing for the dancers, funded by the ADA, where they get to enjoy a traditional Pantomime. This outing is a cherished tradition and brings joy and camaraderie to the dancers.
The club's dedication to preserving and celebrating Highland dance is further exemplified by the Atholl Clasp competition. In the year 2000, the ADA, on behalf of the SOBHD (as it was known then), organised an event at Blair Castle to celebrate the new millennium and the Golden Jubilee of the SOBHD. The Atholl Clasp, an esteemed award, was presented by the ADA, with Mrs. Jessie Stewart-Haggarty being its first recipient.
The Atholl Dancing Association is proud to have hosted the Millennium Champions Challenge in 2000, a major event recognised by sportscotland. This prestigious event put the club on the international stage, even receiving coverage in the New York Times.
The club's passion for dance and commitment to excellence is evident in everything they do. With a dedicated committee and a thriving dance school, the Atholl Dancing Association continues to promote and preserve the rich tradition of Highland dance in Highland Perthshire.